Grip strip half chaps

ABSTRACT

A half chap to provide a better grip to the rider&#39;s leg is discussed. The half chap includes a calf portion configured to encircle a rider&#39;s calf. The calf portion has an interior surface and an exterior surface. The interior surface has at least one grip strip. The grip strip is designed to improve grip of the half chap to the rider&#39;s leg. A strap extends below a lower end of the calf portion and configured to fit in front of the heel of the riders&#39; boot to keep the half chap down and in place. A fastener is provided to close the calf portion.

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

N/A

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Various embodiments relate generally to half chaps and, more specifically, relate to non-slip half chaps.

This section is intended to provide a background or context. The description may include concepts that may be pursued but have not necessarily been previously conceived or pursued. Unless indicated otherwise, what is described in this section is not deemed prior art to the description and claims and is not admitted to be prior art by inclusion in this section.

Half chaps are worn on a rider's lower leg to provide a level of support and protection. They help to prevent rubbing and chafing caused by stirrup leathers and riding pant legs that could otherwise twist, wrinkle, rub or rise up. When paired with paddock boots, half chaps offer the functionality of tall boots. Use of half chaps and paddock boots for everyday riding allows a rider to forego investing in tall boots or to preserve tall boots for special occasions.

Half chaps are generally available in brown, black and other color combinations, and can be made of synthetic material, nylon, eco leather, leather or suede or a combination. Half chaps can be made for men, women and children in a variety of styles. They're generally easier to fit than tall boots, require almost no break-in period, are hardwearing with little care and are quite comfortable.

Half chaps may include a zipper and have snaps or Velcro at the top or bottom to keep the zipper secure. This also keeps the half chap secure around the leg. A thick elastic band can go under a paddock boot keep half chap held down at the bottom of the leg near the ankle.

When riding, half chaps provide a point of contact between the rider and the horse. However, traditional half chaps may twist or move on the riders leg which can adversely impact the rider's performance.

What is needed is a way to improve the half chaps so that they better grip the riders leg.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The below summary is merely representative and non-limiting.

The above problems are overcome, and other advantages may be realized, by the use of the embodiments.

In a first aspect, an embodiment provides a half chap to provide a better grip to the riders leg. The half chap includes a calf portion configured to encircle a user's calf. The calf portion has an interior surface and an exterior surface. The interior surface has at least one grip strip. The grip strip is designed to improve grip of the half chap to the user's leg. A strap extend below a lower end of the calf portion and a fastener is provided to close the calf portion.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

Aspects of the described embodiments are more evident in the following description, when read in conjunction with the attached Figures.

FIG. 1 shows the exterior of a half chap in accordance with an embodiment.

FIG. 2 shows the interior of the half chap in FIG. 1 .

FIG. 3 shows a close up view of the interior of the half chap in FIG. 1 .

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Various embodiments provide half chaps which include an interior grip strip to better grip the riders leg. In one, non-limiting embodiment a silicone strip is affixed inside a half chap to keep the half chap in place and promote better leg grasp against the horse. The grip strip's silicone strip ensures the half chap remains snug on the leg and does not sag, drop, bunch or droop. The grip strip grips the chap to the leg and the chaps grip to the horse for optimal connection and as an improved pressure point for performance. Thus, the grip strip helps the rider connect with the horse and keep the firm leg-to-horse-side contact for better control and performance.

In some embodiments, the grip strip is a Silicone strip that can be patterned with any specially designed pattern in the silicone. The equestrian grip strip can be fixed horizontally or vertically in the half chap.

FIG. 1 shows the exterior of a half chap 100 in accordance with an embodiment. The exterior half chap 100, includes a textured surface 105 and a smooth surface 115. A zipper 120 is provided going from the top of the half chap 100 to the bottom and may be covered with button flap 130. The bottom of the half chap 100 also includes a thick elastic band 140 to go around the rider's foot. The thick elastic band 140 is configured to fit in front of the heel of the riders' boot to keep the half chap down and in place. The thick elastic band 140 may also include a gripping surface (e.g., a textured surface, a grip-strip, etc.) which may be located along the interior of the thick elastic band 140.

FIG. 2 shows the interior of the half chap 100 in FIG. 1 . The inner surface 215 includes a grip strip 250. In this non-limiting embodiment, the grip strip 250 is a strip that goes horizontally around the inner surface 215 of the half chap 100. A flexible calf panel 210 allows the half chap 100 to stretch and hold against the rider's leg. FIG. 3 shows a close up view of the interior of the half chap in FIG. 1 . In this view, the grip strip 250 can be seen on both sides of the flexible calf panel 210.

Half chaps 100 with a Silicone grip patch 250 are durable and supple in authentic suede. The silicone patch 250 on the inner surface 215 provides extra grip to support a stable leg position for the rider. The stretch calf panel 210 allows a snug and contoured fit. The full zip 120 closes easily from the top to the bottom.

Various embodiments provide, a half chaps with Silicone grip patches that promote and support the stability of a rider's leg position. A grippy silicone patch on the inner aspect of the calf adds hold, while a stretch calf panel provides a contoured fit. These half chaps are exceptionally easy to care for as they may be made of washable, resilient, virtually maintenance-free material. The zipper closes conveniently from the top down.

In alternative embodiments, the grip strip may be provided as one or more individual patches. The patches may extend horizontally or vertically around the inner surface of the half chap.

The foregoing description has been directed to particular embodiments. However, other variations and modifications may be made to the described embodiments, with the attainment of some or all of their advantages. Modifications to the above-described systems and methods may be made without departing from the concepts disclosed herein. Accordingly, the invention should not be viewed as limited by the disclosed embodiments. Furthermore, various features of the described embodiments may be used without the corresponding use of other features. Thus, this description should be read as merely illustrative of various principles, and not in limitation of the invention. 

1. A half chap comprising: a calf portion configured to encircle a user's calf, the calf portion having an interior surface and an exterior surface, wherein the interior surface includes at least one grip strip; wherein the at least one grip strip extends horizontally around the circumference of the calf portion configured and is configured for gripping the calf portion against a leg of the wearer; and wherein the at least one grip strip is disposed in an area of the calf portion separate from a top end circumference and a bottom end circumference of the calf portion; a strap extends below a lower end of the calf portion; and a fastener configured to close the calf portion.
 2. (canceled)
 3. The half chap of claim 1, wherein the at least one grip strip comprises a portion which is fixed vertically in the half chap.
 4. The half chap of claim 1, wherein the at least one grip strip comprises a plurality of grip patches.
 5. The half chap of claim 1, wherein the calf portion further comprises a flexible calf panel extending vertically from an upper end of the calf portion to the lower end of the calf portion.
 6. The half chap of claim 1, wherein the at least one grip strip comprises a Silicone strip.
 7. The half chap of claim 1, wherein the calf portion comprises at least one of: nylon, eco leather, leather and suede.
 8. The half chap of claim 1, wherein the strap comprises an elastic band.
 9. The half chap of claim 1, wherein the fastener comprises at least one of: a zipper, buttons, hook-and-loop, Velcro and laces.
 10. The half chap of claim 1, wherein the fastener comprises a zipper, and the half chaps further comprise a strap configured to secure the zipper when closed.
 11. The half chap of claim 1, wherein the exterior surface of the half chap further comprises a gripping surface.
 12. The half chap of claim 1, wherein the gripping surface comprises ribbed structure.
 13. The half chap of claim 1, wherein the strap comprises a gripping surface on an interior side of the strap. 